The wandering whistling duck is a species of whistling duck. They inhabit tropical and subtropical Australia, the Philippines, Borneo, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and the Pacific Islands.
Region
Southeast Asia and Australasia
Typical Environment
Occurs across tropical and subtropical Australia, the Philippines, Borneo, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and nearby Pacific islands. It favors freshwater wetlands such as lagoons, floodplains, swamps, billabongs, and rice paddies with abundant emergent vegetation. Birds shift locally and seasonally with water availability, sometimes forming large mixed flocks. Roosting typically occurs on open water, floating vegetation, or low branches over water.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
A distinctive member of the whistling-duck group, it is named for its clear, musical whistles given in flight and at roosts. It often undertakes nomadic movements following rains and flooding, gathering in large flocks on rich wetlands and rice fields. Unlike many ducks, it perches readily and may roost in trees or dense emergent vegetation. It is generally tame in protected areas but wary where hunted.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Forms flocks that can number into the hundreds on productive wetlands. Pairs form during the breeding season, and both parents typically attend the brood. Nests are placed in dense grasses or sedges near water, lined with down; clutch sizes are moderate to large.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A series of clear, high-pitched whistles, often given in flight and during social interactions. Calls are musical and carry over water, with repeated peee-pee or whistled trills.
